All other features/options aside, I really really prefer and like the vari-angle screen on my 5100. It is so useful for getting crazy angle macro, astro, and even for landscape photos. As little as 10degrees of rotation can make a huge difference on your back, neck and eyes :-)

The D7000 does seem to be the best bang for the buck. Right now the D5100 is priced to attract. I think the D5200 will be a gadget camera, long on novice features that would take a novice quite a long time to catch on to, but at a premium price as it is new. I am beginning to hear opinions on how the D7200 or what ever it will be may NOT be all that much of an "improvement". Right now we are happy here with the D7000. The D700 would have been more popular at this place if it had video. I now have come to the belief that the D400 will carry such a price tag it will be easy for me to pass on.

iamthebrad said:
Thanks for the advice. This evening I have purchased a D7000 : )

Smart choice, Enjoy your camera.

I'm saying this from recent experience. I had a chance to use D5000 few months ago (I own D7000 for about 2 years now), it felt totally out of place. Let alone camera's ability just the command dials organization was poor on D5000.

+1 to D90 and better glass, though another option is to get d3200 and better glass. from Your equation I'll definitely exclude the d5200, as it's carry pretty much the same price tag as d7000 and the second has far more buttons .

I can tell you that I once bought a D5000 and pretty soon realised I should have paid for the more pro button layout and sub-command dial. I bought the D90 soon after and instantly preferred it. I now have the D7000 and am very happy with it.

I have come across several posts but nothing as specific as the advice I am after. I am upgrading from an old Canon 350D, I want to future proof whatever I buy to a certain degree but keep banging my head against the better camera or better lenses debate. I would love the extra features the 7000 offers, but the current price of the 5100 would allow the purchase of better lenses off the bat which at my skill level would probably make a bigger difference. The 5200 has now come along to add another variable to the equation. I am a relative beginner interested in landscapes and general family stuff and any advice would be greatly appreciated.